India, Dec. 17 -- The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken strong cognizance of serious gaps in fire safety preparedness, sharply criticising a five-year delay in procuring critical equipment like hydraulic platforms and turn table ladders. Terming the delay "inexcusable", the Commission warned that prolonged administrative inaction poses a direct threat to public safety, particularly in high-rise and densely populated areas.

Justice Lalit Batra, chairperson HHRC, said the observations were made in a recent suo motu case order examining Fire and Emergency Services department reports. "The HHRC noted that despite rapid urbanisation and a growing skyline, essential rescue equipment required for evacuating people from multi-stor...